Protein’s rapid rise to prominence needs to be studied. Ten years ago, the notion of tracking your protein intake was confined to the realm of nutritionists and bodybuilders. Protein coffee wasn’t a thing and we weren’t collectively obsessed with cottage cheese. Back in 2016, it was all about eating your five-a-day and a morning shot of Yakult.
What wasn’t widely known at the time is just how important protein is for muscle repair, feeling satisfied after meals, energy production and blood sugar control. Now, the pendulum’s swung in the other direction, with protein grams plastered prominently on food packaging, macro trackers growing in popularity and a general sense that we could all benefit from more protein.
To unpick how much protein is enough, we called upon Jessica Shand, nutritionist and author of The Hormone Balance Handbook to break it down.
How to work out your daily protein intake
Protein needs are individual. They change depending on age, activity level, muscle mass and gender. To find out exactly how much you need, there’s a simple equation to follow.
- If you’re a sedentary adult, aim for 1g of protein for every kilogram you weigh.
- If you’re an active adult, make that 1.6g to 2.2g for every kilogram you weigh.
- If you’re over the age of 65, make it 1.2g to 1.5g for every kilogram you weigh.
For some people, this will work out to a recommended intake of 100g or more of protein per day. For others, it might be slightly less. Rather than chase an arbitrary number, like 100g, a protein goal that takes your lifestyle, age and activity level into account will serve your body far better.
Is 100g of protein a day safe?
Yes, for some people, 100g of protein is a perfectly sensible goal. Shand describes such a high amount of protein as being particularly suitable for people who are very active, who strength train regularly, are peri-menopausal, are actively trying to control their blood sugar or are trying to maintain muscle mass.
However, she cautions, it’s not the entire picture: “Protein is just one component of a balanced plate, alongside the other key and equally important parts such as fibre, healthy fats and micronutrient-rich whole foods that support gut, hormone and metabolic health.”
What are the benefits of a high-protein diet?
Eating enough protein – the right amount for your body – comes with a number of benefits. Like:
- Better mood regulation
- More stable blood sugar
- Increased satiety and satisfaction between meals
- Improved energy levels
- Muscle-repair support
- Less food noise
- Healthy hormone production
Are there any side effects to eating too much protein in a day?
Yes, although you would need to be eating a concerning amount of protein for it to become unsafe. The most likely side effects of eating too much protein are usually bloating, digestive discomfort, constipation, excessive or increased thirst or a lack of energy.
The most concerning part of an excessively high protein diet is when it comes at the expense of other important nutrients, Shand explains. “This is particularly true when fibre-rich plant foods that support the gut microbiome and long-term metabolic health are neglected. I’ve seen clients become so focused on hitting protein targets that overall dietary balance is lost (particularly when it comes to fibre and carbs).”
